The year 2023 witnessed the rise to prominence of South African music, which was propelled by the Amapiano and the Afro-Tech scene. This revolutionary movement is spearheaded by three extraordinary musicians—Dj Kent, Dlala Thukzin, and Uncle Waffles—who have significantly increased the international prominence of South African music.

Unknown in South Africa during the lockdown period, Uncle Waffles, a rising talent from Eswatini, has not only released a trilogy of albums but has also performed on the largest stages in the world, solidifying her position as a pioneer of innovation in the global Afro music scene. “Yahyuppiyah,” the lead single from her sophomore EP “Asylum,” demonstrates her unwavering commitment to producing high-quality music. As a result, Rolling Stone ranked it among the top ten Afropop songs of 2023. This further solidifies the young star’s pioneering status and sets the stage for future African artists.

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DJ Kent, one of the original maestros of South African house music, staged a triumphant return with “Horns in the Sun” in 2022, which is a great testament to his music evolution and career. The remix, a collaborative masterpiece with Mörda, Brenden Praise, and Thakzin, injected the track with the pulsating beats of 3-step, a fusion of Afro tech and amapiano. DJ Kent didn’t just adapt his music, he architected the sonic future of Afropop, positioning himself as a pivotal architect of its ongoing renaissance and his remixed placed him at No.33 on the Rolling Stones list.

Dlala Thukzin, an artist positioned at No.27 on the chart and widely recognised for producing exceptional Afro-House, Afro-Tech, and gqom, emerges as a pivotal figure in influencing the course of South African music. The composition “iPlan” by the artist not only showcases the sophisticated production techniques characteristic of Afro-Tech, but also emphasises the worldwide allure of the genre through the inclusion of isiZulu vocals that transcend national boundaries.

Uncle Waffles, Dlala Thukzin, and DJ Kent collectively establish themselves as trailblazers in the fields of Amapiano and Afro-Tech. In addition to commemorating the abundant musical legacy of South Africa, their accomplishments fortify the nation’s standing as a dominant force on an international level, exerting a transformative impact on contemporary music in the year 2023.